CHAPTER 12: Maintaining Your Computer www.gateway.com
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Scheduling maintenance
Use the following table to set up a regular maintenance schedule.
Caring for your computer
To extend the life of your computer:
■ When transporting your computer, we recommend that you put it in the
original packaging materials.
■ Keep diskettes and your computer away from magnetic fields. Magnetic
fields can erase data on both diskettes and hard drives.
■ Avoid subjecting your computer to extreme temperature changes.
■ Keep all liquids away from your computer. When spilled onto computer
components, almost any liquid can result in extremely expensive repairs
that are not covered under your warranty.
■ Avoid dusty or dirty work environments. Dust and dirt can clog the internal
mechanisms.
■ Do not block the ventilation fan.
■ When storing your computer for an extended period of time, unplug
AC power.
Maintenance task Monthl
y
When
needed
See...
Check for viruses X X page 107
Update Windows XP X X page 112
Manage hard drive space X page127
Clean up hard drives X X page 129
Scan hard drive for errors X X page 129
Defragment hard drive X X page 130
Back up files X X page 131
Clean computer case and peripheral
devices
X page127